|   Affordable Integrated Amp?? | Bob.
Jul 11, 2001 10:57 AM | | Hello, I'm in the market for a high powered amp that gives a LOT of bang for the buck. I've read quite a bit recently on various amps and I'm leaning towards either the Roksan Kandy or the NAD 370. I think the Roksan has the slight edge right now because of the looks and the dynamic sound of it.
Anyways, have any of you had experience with the British made Roksan Kandy integrated? If so, did you like it and how would you rank it with the rest in its price class?
Bob |
| re: Affordable Integrated Amp?? | Steve.
Jul 11, 2001 11:28 PM | | I too am a big fan of the Roksan Kandy integrated! I auditioned it about a month ago and was truly impressed with the sweet sound of it. In fact, I was actually comparing this to a Krell 300i demo that a dealer was going to sell me and the Krell seemed a bit dull in the treble relative to the Roksan. So, needless to say, I went ahead and I bought the Roksan. As far as NAD 370 goes, I think it's a good value product but the looks are just hideous!! |
| re: Roksan Kandy Integrated | Stan Wyman
Jul 12, 2001 8:06 AM | | I had to chime into this discussion because I am also looking for an integrated amp and was considering the Roksan Kandy because I read some very good reviews of it, and, more importantly, I've seen them on audio websites, like Audiogon, for great prices.
I read the rave reviews about it in What Hifi and Hifi choice and want to give it an audition. Unfortunately, there aren't any Roksan dealers in close proximity to my house.
So, I've got a few questions to ask of you guys before I decide to buy one. First, I know it was measured at over 110 watts per channel into 8 ohms but how many for 4 ohms? Next, What Hifi magazine calls the sound big and bold? Well, could you guys describe that for me? Also, how is the casing for this amp? Does it appear to be well made? I know traditionally the british build quality is excellent but I want to make sure with this before I buy.
Stan |
| re: Roksan Kandy Integrated | RGA
Jul 13, 2001 4:03 PM | | I have read that Roksan has only marginal build quality in a review of a cd player in UHF magazine. They liked the sound but were leary on construction. I'm not 100% sure though because this is from memory. http://www.uhfmag.com has some reviews and you may get a back issue on the Kandy. |
| re: Roksan Kandy Integrated | Jason1
Jul 15, 2001 8:08 AM | | Stan, I believe the Roksan doubles down at 4 ohms and puts out about 200 watts a channel. The sound could definitely be classified as big and bold as is it just seems to bring life to the music. I auditioned a number of different integrateds but they all seemed so dry sounding relative to this amp. It just gave the music a sort of fresh and alive sound. I guess you'd just have to go listen to it to experience it for yourself.
I've been a big Roksan fan ever since the days of their Caspian series. I like them because they give you a decent looking product but the money didn't go into the design as it is just a brushed aluminum faceplate. The real money went into the the circuity found within the amp and that is one of the reasons why this amp is heavier than almost all integrateds. In fact, I'm pretty sure it weighs more than the Krell 300i and in my opinion it sounds better too. I think you'd be quite pleased with it in your listening room. |
| re: Also audition the Marantz PM-7000. (nt) | Ms. Nomer
Jul 12, 2001 9:54 AM | | |
| re: Affordable Integrated Amp?? | RGA
Jul 12, 2001 3:11 PM | | Here is a review of the Roksan Caspian http://www.uhfmag.com/Issue56/Roksan.html
I give you this because you get a general idea of the company as a whole.
NAD is a good mid-fi company and a step up from most of the Japanese gear, but they have stiff competition from Rotel, Cambridge Audio.
I believe Roksan is one step up from NAD. Just M.O. |
| re: Affordable Integrated Amp?? | Tom D
Jul 13, 2001 11:59 AM | | I'm right in the middle of auditioning Exposure's 2010 intergrated amp.I think it goes for $950.Excellent amp for Rock/Pop.Haven't tried it with other forms of music like Jazz or Classical.It's strengths are excellent pace and rhythm and bass-AMAZING bass for 50 watts!Detail is laid back however but this amp (with good interconnects,source and speaker cables) absolutely killed my previous combo of Rotel 990 preamp and 2 Adcom 545 100 watt amps-in biamp mode.My speakers are Energy A5+2 which are 93 db efficient |
| re: Affordable Integrated Amp?? | RGA
Jul 13, 2001 3:58 PM | | I mentioned the improved sound of Roksan...but have you ever given thought to tube amps. I am currently in the same market for an amplifer(integrated or seperates under $700.00US) I can get either in my budget and will be looking at Antique Sound Labs inthe next few months. http://www.divertech.com/antiquesl.html
What I'm looking at is the AQ1003 integrated or getting the AQ 2004 Pre-amp and two Wave 8 mono-blocks.
If you have 8ohm speakers that are 90db sensitive or more then you should consider them. The AQ1003 should drive speakers at 87Db quite well.
They certainly look better than regular box amplifiers and you get a little tweakability by trying different tubes for a different sound. I call it the higher fun factor. |
| re: Affordable Integrated Amp?? | Bob.
Jul 14, 2001 8:04 AM | | Guys, thanks a lot for your responses! I should have made clear in my original post that I needed a powerful amp with quality power to drive my 4 ohm Stratus Bronze speakers.
Again, the Roksan Kandy appears to make the most sense because of its cosmetics and supposedly big and bold sound. That according to What Hifi magazine. I suppose I'll just have to take the leap of faith and just order one and hope it is as nice as what everyone says it is, thanks a lot!
Bob |
| re: Affordable Integrated Amp?? | TomD
Jul 14, 2001 9:41 AM | | Just a follow up on the Exposure 2010 intergrated amp I've been audioning over the last 2 days:
It's Strengths:
1)Dynamics-I've heard dynamics and speed of tempo like I've never heard before absolutely AMAZING !
2)Bass-this was the biggest surprise.My speaker freq response is listed down to 25hz.I figured to get deep tight bass I had to add Exposures 2010 power amp along with the integrated-WRONG!In this system with good recordings,very good cables the bass blew away my 2 Adcom 545 100 watt amps in Biamp mode.
3)Musicality-Not shure how musical compared with the best at this price range but it shure is a lot more musical than anything I've heard from Rotel or Parasound
4)Build Quality-Impressive you get a solid all aluminum case with well secured 5 mm panel and its contored shape reduces stray emf.
5)Styling-In my opinion the minimalist design (both in simplicity and feel)is perfect-way better than Creek and even Linn.You can get it in Titanium finish with bright blue LEDs or Black finish with red LEDS and gold script.I prefer the black with red because it will match perfectly with my Rotel DVD-A player and other black components I own.
Weaknesses:
1)Not a neutral amp.Probably not good if you listen to classical or chamber music.But as far as Rock/Pop goes I'd put it up against any thing up to twice the price and believe it would come out on top when you consider it's design reflects the qualities that really count. |
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